Special Holiday Issue (November, 2009)
Published by the Mt Zion Historical Society
James Burke,President and Editor
Bob Nay,Web Coordinator/ Board Member
Mt Zion Historical Society Webpage Link




Dear Mt Zion Historical Society (MZHS) Friends:





We hope you enjoy this issue and as always if you have any questions or other comments, please let us know.

Again Happy Holidays from the Board of the Mt Zion Historical Society






Happy Thanksgiving- A Bennett's Valley Connection to America's First Thanksgiving



First ThanksgivingThe First Thanksgiving-

Jennie Brownscombe's interpretation of the Pilgrim Fathers celebrating the First Thanksgiving. This picture has become a symbol of Thanksgiving and was printed in Life magazine.









Many of the Bennett's Valley pioneers have connections to Colonial America and its early immigrants. One such family includes the Winslows of Benezette. In the early 1820s the Carpenter Winslow Sr family of Maine became early settlers of this area of Pennsylvania. Carpenter Sr - head of this Winslow family- and sons Joseph and James settled near Punxsutawney, and three other sons- Reuben, Carpenter, and Ebenezer- finally settled and founded Benezette around 1830. These Winslows are descendents and relatives of the Winslow brothers that initially arrived in Plymouth Massachusetts in the 1620-30s which included Mayflower Pilgrims Edward and Gilbert Winslow and brothers John, Josiah, and Kenelm that came in the next 10 years. Kenelm is the direct immigrant ancestor of the Bennett's Valley Winslows. In addition, descendents of Carpenter Winslow and his wife Beulah Keene (both buried in the Winslow Hill Cemetery) have additional ancestors that came over on the Mayflower to include William Bradford, William Brewster, John Alden and his wife Priscella Mullins, and others.

In rememberance and recognition of this special connection -A special Thanksgiving thought from Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) for all:

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.



If you have any questions about our Winslow family, you may contact Bob Nay who is a direct descendent of the 1600s Kenelm Winslow and also Benezette's Carpenter Winslow family. Our own Jim Burke has recently written the book "Pioneers of Second Fork" which includes a chapter of the Bennett's Valley Winslows. For further information on this book just click here to contact directly Jim and you can purchase a signed copy of his book- a special Christmas gift.



Very Important 2010 MZHS Special Project : Building Our Own Library of Bennett's Valley Picture and Genealogy Information



The Mt Zion Historical Society is undertaking a special 2010 and ongoing project to further its mission. And we need your help.

We desire to build our collection of historical and genealogy-family history information so we can share and better respond to the many inquiries we get via our website and personal requests. Such requests include pictures taken before the digital camera days- pictures of schools, churches, businesses, every day life on the streets of Bennett's Valley, people, reunions,baseball teams, etc. We would like to eventually post on our website and build a library of such information for a future research base similar to other historical societies. And potentially also publish manuscripts and books as a funding source for our projects. Pictures can be mailed or questions can be sent to Rita Fencie Ovell, Abby Road, Weedville, Pa. 15868, or emailed to Jim Burkeor Bob Nay.

Our first focus and immediate need is on old Bennett's Valley pictures. We are also focusing on family histories and genealogy records.

Also remember if you have any questions about Bennett's Valley history or genealogy information, visit not only our own website Mt Zion Historical Society Webpage Link but also check out the PAGenWeb site for Elk County genealogy information (our Board Member-web coordinator Bob Nay is the coordinator for this site as well). We believe both websites offer much for those looking for Bennett's Valley historical and genealogy information.



MZHS "Lest We Forget" Series Continues to Grow



REMEMBERING......... JOHN SHOWERS, US ARMY
John Showers
KIA; Bronze Star Recipient
Bronze Star



JOHN SHOWERS HONORED AT BENEZETTE BRIDGE DEDICATION

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS A CONDENSED VERSION FROM THE BENNETT"S VALLEY NEWSPAPER BY PEGGY L. COPPOLO

John E. Showers, Vietnam Veteran who gave his life to protect a fellow solder, was honored Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the new Benezette bridge dedication service held on the Dudley Farm on Winslow Hill.

Larry McCartney was the Master of Ceremonies and began the ceremony with the American Legion Valley Post 978 presenting the colors. Then Lana Kline sang the National Anthem. US Army Chaplain did the Invocation.

President of the V.V.A. Chapter 720, Ronald Guilyard spoke about who are the heroes. He stated that everyone is born to be a hero but most do not have to utilize that instinct.

John Showers became a hero on October 1, 1967 when he and other soldiers were on patrol and were ambushed by the Vietcong. John shielded a fellow comrade and received head wounds. The soldier he protected was saved but John died on October 6, 1967. John made the decision to cover his comrade's body with his own and made the ultimate sacrifice. Guilyard stated that we can only hope we would have done the same thing but it is something we don't know until we are faced with that decision.

John Showers was awarded the bronze star for his heroic action. He is an American hero and all who know and love and miss him. This day's celebration is to celebrate the short life of John E. Showers, Jr.

The Master of Ceremony for the event was Larry McCartney. Other speakers included Leslie Neal Glatt, Director of Veteran's Affairs. Robert Gaerpner, on behalf of State Representative Matt Gabler who could not attend the event due to his schedule. A presentation was made by James Burke in the form a charcoal portrait of John Showers to the Showers family on behalf of the Mt. Zion Historical Society.

Gerald Showers reminisced about stories of his brother John. His remarks concluded when he stated that like a lot of young men when he was called to serve his country, he served with all his might, mind and soul. In the Shower's family there is what Gerald called an unwritten order of things. That unwritten order of things is when your country calls you into service you go and do your duty. This unwritten order of things comes from many ways but mostly it comes from watching family members and their examples.



IN REMEMBRANCE

The following poem was read by Ron Guilyard at the John Shower's bridge dedication.

Remember me in the flow of the sunset,
Or when robins return in the spring-
Know that in life there are ups and downs,
Remember me as the butterfly flutters,
And drinks the sweet nectar of flowers-
Life is a simple as nourishment,
Within all, there is loving powers.

Remember me with the radiance of the sun,
As the glow of me warms your face-
When the gentle breeze
Blows you hair to you eyes,
Know it is me sending God's Grace.

Remember me when a newborn cries,
For soon tears of joy will appear-
As you gaze upon the newness of life,
Know that I am close to you near

Remember me as you pray at night,
For this is when you sense me the most-
Know that I am, and forever will be
Alive, with God, as my host.


"LEST WE FORGET........."

For the complete series, click Lest We Forget. If you have stories you would like to contribute please email Bob Nay or Jim Burke. We would appreciate anything yoiu have to offer.



THE CIVIL WAR BUCKTAILS - DRIFTWOOD PA STATUE
Contributed by Jim Burke



This is one of the articles in our new initiative of highlighting historical points of interest in the Bennett's Valley. For similar articles link to our website section- Valley History

Bucktail Statue The founder of the Bucktails, Thomas L. Kane, believed that Pennsylvania loggers and woodsmen would make excellent soldiers as they were free spirited men, accustomed to had work, knew the ways of the woods, and were very handy with a rifle, as dinner often depended upon their marksmanship.

Once the governor granted Kane's request, he went to work recruiting men. Kane came to Benezette seeking assistance to raise men. He met with Caleb Winslow, a local lumberman, to help with this endeavor. Within twenty-four hours, Winslow, with help from his nephew Thomas B. Winslow and John Wolfe, was able to sign up 109 men from the Elk County area for this cause. The group assembled at Benezette and elected Thomas Winslow as Captain and thus formed the Elk County Rifles, Company G. The new, raw, untrained group of recruits then proceeded to Driftwood to meet the other two companies Kane recruited. This group called themselves the Bucktails.

The Bucktails fought in most of the major campaigns in the East, and became one of the most distinguished fighting units of the US Army in the Civil War.

On April 27, 1908, in celebration and remembrance of the fiftieth anniversary of the Civil War a monument was dedicated in Driftwood honoring the Bucktails. There was a post card send out announcing this event. The following is message that appeared on the post card:

"Tune Marching to Georgia"

There's going to be a joyful time in April
The veterans will come to us from all over
Our state.
They'll meet again with joy their monument
To dedicate.
Cheer for the Bucktails are coming.

Chorus

Harrah, Harrah we'll welcome them with joy
For every man was once a soldier boy.
Who fought to save the stars and stripes
When other would destroy,
Cheer for the Bucktails are coming.

Bucktail Vets- 1908 Oh sad are the hearts they left behind in eighteen
Sixty-one
Thin their ranks when they returned with
All their fighting done
But now with joy and gladness once again
We see them come
Cheer for the Bucktails are coming.

Pictured here are the Civil War veterans who on April 17, 1908 attended the dedication of the Bucktail Statue honoring the fiftieth anniversary of the war. A replica of this same statue is erected on site of the Gettysburg Battle Field were the Bucktails fought.





"Lost at Sea" by Mary Bentz
©2009 Mary Bentz





In 1942 the family of Mrs. Louise Scott of Weedville experienced their first holiday season without word from the United States Navy as to what had happened to her son Carmen Parziale and his 69 shipmates of USS Grunion (SS-216). By the end of the war there were 52 submarines and 4100 submariners lost in the United States Submarine Service. In 2007 the Abele sons located their father's submarine at the bottom of the Bering Sea. This was the Christmas 70 families have waited 65 years to celebrate. Richard Bentz wrote this poem in their memory.

All May Rest
© 2007 By Richard Bentz

God rest you merry gentlemen
Of Grunion two sixteen.
Aquila made it possible
Your grave site to be seen.

For sixty years you've been at peace;
But miles and miles away,
Your families have wondered
What happened on that day.

Sons, daughters, wives and cousins too,
Have lived their whole lives through
With restless thoughts - and wondering
Just what became of you.

Bruce, Brad and John remembered dad;
So set the wheels in motion
To look for signs of Grunion at
The bottom of the ocean.

With Sonar's help (Garcias' too),
A shadow did appear
That gave them inspiration
To come again next year.

Equipped with HD cameras
Aboard an ROV,
They found what they'd been seeking
Beneath the Bering Sea.

Your secret's out beloved ones.
We've solved the mystery.
So rest in peace our precious sons;
And know now, so will we.

From the entire Grunion Family, may your holiday season be
for all of you, one filled with peace, good health, love and joy.




NEW MEMORIAL PAVERS ADDED TO MZHS VETERANS WALKWAY



The Mt. Zion Historical Society Veterans Walkway at its Memoral Park continues to receive much support and recognition. We proudly announce that thirty-one new pavers recently have been added to the Walkway and these honored veterans are listed below. The Society strives to install these brick pavers as accurately as possible, but mistakes do occur and we make those changes as fast as possible. If you notice any errors please let us know. Thank you for all your support for this very important mission of ours. For our complete list click here: MZHS Veterans List

NEW PAVERS RECENTLY INSTALLED IN THE VETERAN'S WALKWAY:

GEORGE BARRETT WWII ( paver on order, will be installed when received)
JOE BARRETT - WWII
RAYMOND "TUCKER" BECK WWII
GERALD BRUNI - KOREA
ROBERT E. BURKE WWII
CPL ARTHUR A. CARLSON - WWII
YN3 RICHARD CROCCO KOREA
WARD GARDNER, JR WWII
JOHN E. GRAY - WWII
FT3 PAUL R. GRAY - KOREA
RM2-P1 - ORLIN M. GRAY
HARRISON W. "BILL" DICK WWII
TECH 4 DAVID R. HETRICK - PEACE TIME
S/FC ALFRED L. JOHNSON WWII
RM3 ALFRED L. JOHNSON PEACETIME
SS RANDY L. JOHNSON IRAQ
SGT DUANE LIPTAK SR. VIETNAM
SP(Q) 3C RETHA BECK LUPRO - WWII
PFC CHESTER "COOT" MAHOLTZ - WWII
SPC 4 CHESTER L. MAHOLTZ - VIETNAM
MM3 JASON S. McCLINTICK GULF WAR
MARIO MERAGLIA WWII
PFC CARMEN A. "DAN" PARZIALE JR. - KOREA
MoMM2 DONALD L. PFAFF WWII
PFC CLAYTON A . REED - WWII
JOSEPH T RENTINI JR. PEACE TIME
PFC LEONARD M. ROBINSON KOREA
CPL WILLARD S. ROBINSON KOREA
ESTHER TEALE - WWII
CPL WILLIAM "YUCK" TYLER - VIETNAM
F-1-C WILLIAM R. TYLER WWII

PAVERS THAT HAVE BEEN MOVED:
GENO CAROBINE - MOVE TO KOREA
DENNIS KLAIBER - MOVE TO KOREA
GERALD KLAIBER - MOVE TO VIETNAM
ED FRANCIS KLAIBER - MOVE TO VIETNAM
POPEYE WINKLER - FROM WWII TO KOREA
CALVIN WOODRING - FROM WWI TO WWII
RALPH WOODRING - FROM WWI TO WWII

PAVERS THAT HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO SPELLING MISTAKES:
CHRISTOPHER J. DILL
THOMAS E. FOSTER, JR.
RON GUILYARD
WILBUR LEWIS
HERMAN LIEGEY
GEORGE J MIJAVEC
RON PISANESCHI
DOROTHY ROUSSOS
LEE A. SHIPMAN
ANGELO "JAKE" TAMBURLIN

THE FOLLOWING PAVERS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND REINSTALLED:
FREDERICK "FRITZ" D. CARPEN - HE WAS NOT KIA
HERMAN DILL - HE WAS NOT KIA
JOSEPH PARETTI - HE WAS NOT MIA
NEIL OVERTURF (NOT MIA - HE WAS A POW)



Special Historical Society Events in December



Elk County Historical Society
Christmas Toy Exhibit/Open House
Saturday, December 5th, 10 am to 4 pm
Featuring toys of Christmas Past--This year’s special exhibit: Barbies!






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